Could You Be Addicted to Sex?
Sex addiction affects millions of people worldwide. It is a complex and often misunderstood malady that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. Sex addiction can have devasting consequences, including broken relationships, financial ruin, and even legal problems. However, despite its prevalence, sex addiction is often stigmatized and shrouded in shame, making it difficult for those who suffer from it to seek help. Additionally, oftentimes, sex addiction manifests from untreated childhood trauma. Wanting to confront those event(s) may be daunting. The unhealthy coping mechanisms are going to work overtime to ignore and deflect from having to face those realities.
Watch Out for These Signs
If you think that you or someone you know might have a sex addiction look for these possible warning signs.
- Sexual behavior and thoughts dominate your/their life.
- Compulsively engage in phone sex, computer sex, use of prostitutes, pornography, voyeurism and/or exhibitionism.
- Habitually masturbates even when making commitments to reduce or stop.
- Have multiple sexual partners and/or repeatedly cheats on partners.
- You find yourself having to hide/lie or cover-up for behaviors.
Sex addiction can have a significant impact on an individual’s life if left untreated. Active sex addiction while in committed relationships will have a devastating emotional impact not just on the addict but on the partner as well. Those struggling may find themselves unable to control their sexual urges and engage in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex or having multiple partners. This can increase their risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections and having difficulty sustaining successful romantic relationships.
Healing from Sex Addiction
There is hope and healing. There are communities out there that are supportive and non-judgmental to what you have done in your past. Their main focus is to help you and themselves stay true and honest to themselves and their loved ones. There are specialized and tailored approaches to psychotherapy that support healing and recovery for sex addiction.
If you are not sure you’re ready to reach out for help, I’d like to leave you with this one question. What will need to happen before you are willing to begin your journey towards healing?
If you or someone you know is struggling with sex addiction, it is important to know that there is help available. At Illinois Healing Center for Trauma and Addiction, we specialize in sex addiction therapy and more. For support, visit our website at www.ILHealingCenter.com or call us at 773.570.0770 to schedule an appointment.
